The document outlines the experience of the TAFE NSW Riverina Institute Wagga ICT Department with Moodle from 2009-2012. Initially they had limited use of Moodle and used Sharepoint instead. Over the years they committed to using Moodle more, trialing its use for courses, assessments, and distance education. They received funding which allowed them to expand Moodle use for assessments and flexible programs. Lessons learned included starting small, avoiding linear structures, seeking funding, focusing on good teaching, and sharing Moodle expertise.

1. TAFE NSW RIVERINA INSTITUTE
WAGGA ICT DEPARTMENT -
OUR MOODLE EXPERIENCE

2. 2009
• Limited use of Moodle
• Knew it existed and had a Moodle page, but didn't use it day
to day
• Sharepoint used for knowledge management (sort of)
• No Flexible Delivery

3. 2010
• Made a commitment to 'DO SOMETHING'
• Set up a standard Moodle for each full time course
• Started using it for resource delivery and some assessments
• Trialled the delivery of a Distance Education program
• Trialled use of some administration tasks in Moodle

4. 2011
• Trial
of child/meta course structure STOPPED THINKING IN
STRAIGHT LINES
• FOUND FUNDING - Flexible Learning Framework grant won
• Mandated use of Moodle for assessment plans
• Offering larger number of flexible programs

5. 2012
• Continue
to improve compliance/quality GOOD TEACHING
WILL LEAD TO QUALITY & COMPLIANCE
• Adoption of child/meta course structure department wide
• Mandateduse of Moodle for all assessment plans and
assessment events
• Continue to grow flexible / distance course options
•A FEW OF US KNOW SOME TRICKS, WE NOW NEED TO
SHARE THEM (and learn more)

6. LESSON 1 - DO SOMETHING
• You have to start somewhere
• Don't let perfect be the enemy of good
• Don'tmake work for yourself by doubling up, do the
same things but move them into Moodle (better still
reduce your workload using technology so you can
focus on value adding activities)
• Letpeople do things their own way - help them, but
stay flexible

7. LESSON 2 - STOP THINKING
IN STRAIGHT LINES
• Moodle layout - Child/meta course structure
confusing at first (for teachers), but is great for
knowledge management and when used well is great
for students
• Same goes for clusters, units, lessons, assessments and
resources inside Moodle... Don't force something to
be linear for the sake of it
• Thinklike a student sometimes (a typical student, not
a good student)... Will help get the right mix of
structure and flexibility

8. LESSON 3 - FIND FUNDING
Money is out there if you know where to look
- Government grants
- Within your organisation
- Partner with industry

9. LESSON 4 - GOOD TEACHING
LEADS TO QUALITY AND
COMPLIANCE
• Assessment plan delivery and acknowledgement
• Student inductions
• Course planning
• Marking / feedback
• Regular
use of Moodle 'accidentally' handles our
Knowledge Management

10. LESSON 5 - LEARN THE TRICKS
AND SHARE THEM
• Basic HTML is easy and worth learning
• Embed video / screencasts / Equella objects - (create
once use many)
• You don't have to use every tool (KISS)
• Hide items in hidden topics
• Whatever you do, make it easy for teachers (or it
won't last) and valuable for students (or they won't
use it)

11. SUMMARY / QUESTIONS
• Do something
• Stop thinking in straight lines
• Find funding
• Good teaching leads to improved quality & compliance
• Learn the tricks and share them

12. VIMEO.COM/WINSON